Welcome to the findarace Challenge Club,
a monthly virtual challenge series.

First, a word of caution: success will require commitment over 30 days. Alarms will need to be set. There will be a considerable amount of sweating. Occasional grunting also. Less time will be spent on the sofa. Easy options might have to be ignored and at times you'll need to have a few strong words with yourself.

But it's not all bad. With regular exercise, sleep will be easier to come by. Food will taste better, even vegetables. Good socks will be appreciated as never before. And at the end of the 30 days, you will get an overwhelming sense of satisfaction. And a really nice medal.

If that sounds like a good deal, welcome to the club.

Say hello to July's medal. A chunky 60mm powder-coated medal in coral pink, with a glossy enamel finish. The medal features a quote by Haruki Murakami on the essence of running for many - the essential headspace regular running gives.

Each medal comes on a detachable lanyard, with a separate disc and keyring showing the challenge distance completed. It's tactile. It's beautiful. Keep it close at hand to remind you why you run, and to encourage you to get out there regularly. 

Choose from team and solo challenges, and race or distance goals.

Entry to any of the challenges unlocks your Challenge page on findarace.com, where you'll find a progress tracker, leaderboards (for team entries) and a photo gallery. We'll also drop into your inbox occasionally to share ideas for all things running, from pre-run warm up drills to inspiring books to read and motivating films to watch.

Receiving your medal is an emotional moment. Hats off to Kirsty who, having completed our previous virtual events series Plan B, set the standard for Lockdown medal ceremonies.

Inspired by Kirsty, we've put together a checklist, included with your medal, for creating your own DIY medal ceremony. Essentials include: stirring voiceover introduction, national anthem, podium, mascot, flowers, flag and proud athlete.

£2.50 of every entry fee goes to the Alzheimer's Society. Of all the lifestyle changes that have been studied, taking regular physical exercise appears to be one of the best things that you can do to reduce your risk of getting dementia.

100% ringspun cotton T shirt. Features Haruki Murakami's quote on the back and findarace.com Challenge Club logo on the front chest. Good for sweating in, good for relaxing in. Both things you'll be doing over the next 30 days.